Grammar Girl Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing

'Hanged' and 'hung' have different uses that surprise many. The nuances of 'pair' can confuse speakers, especially with its variable singular and plural forms. Delight in the classic phrase 'bated breath' and its charming misinterpretations, rooted in Shakespeare. Discover how archaic words like 'fro' still seep into modern language, showcasing their timeless relevance. Plus, enjoy a humorous familect tale, exploring personal language quirks, and stay tuned for more engaging content!

Join bestselling author Jennifer Lynn Barnes, known for her popular "Inheritance Games" series and former psychology professor, as she dives into the intriguing link between psychology and storytelling. She reveals how readers form deep emotional bonds with characters through parasocial relationships. The conversation unfolds around the art of crafting dynamic characters and satisfying plots while exploring the themes of competition and family dynamics. Tune in for insights on balancing creativity with real-life challenges in a writer's world.

Discover the quirky debate over 'pantless' versus 'pantsless' as the podcast navigates the complexities of plural-only nouns like 'pants' and 'scissors.' Dive into the historical roots of 'pants' and learn about its evolution in English. Explore the intriguing origin of 'Beetlejuice,' linking it to mythology and cultural significance. Listen for a laugh with a familect story that showcases how language shapes family communication. It's a playful exploration of grammar that keeps you engaged!

Natalie Schilling, a forensic linguist and professor emerita at Georgetown University, dives into how language can crack criminal cases. She discusses intriguing methods used to analyze manifestos, ransom notes, and social media communications. Listeners learn about the linguistic profiling of the Unabomber and the significance of dialect in investigations. Schilling also explains how emojis and texting styles offer critical clues in identifying suspects, revealing the rich interplay between language and law.

Discover the surprising origins of the word 'guy,' which evolved from an insult tied to Guy Fawkes to a casual term. Explore the linguistic roots of 'man' and 'father' across cultures, revealing deep connections. For Halloween, delve into the distinctions between crypts, catacombs, mausoleums, and ossuaries, each rich with history. Enjoy heartwarming stories of unique family language, known as 'familect,' and their lighthearted impacts on relationships.

Jim Slaughter, an Attorney and Certified Professional Parliamentarian, dives into the fascinating world of meeting terminology. He uncovers the origins of terms like "quorum" and "filibuster," revealing their unique historical contexts, including a surprising link to piracy. Jim also clarifies why "minutes" are about records, not timing, and provides insights into parliamentary procedures that enhance effective communication in meetings. His expertise enriches our understanding of the language that shapes organizational discussions.

Ever wondered why ending a sentence with 'you're' sounds odd? Dive into the quirks of English contractions and enjoy a witty poem that highlights common language frustrations. Get in the Halloween spirit as the discussion shifts to the 'language of fear,' exploring its historical roots and cultural nuances. Discover how emotions are shaped by language and how expressions of fear vary across cultures. Plus, enjoy amusing 'Catherineisms' that showcase the playful side of language mishaps.

Anne Lamott, a celebrated author with multiple bestselling books, chats about the struggles of writing. She dives into the journey of overcoming perfectionism and emphasizes the importance of accepting flawed first drafts. Lamott shares valuable insights on the art of editing and navigating feedback, particularly for novice writers. The conversation fosters a sense of community among writers, highlighting how shared experiences can uplift creativity. Plus, listeners can get a discount for the upcoming Writers Rising conference!

Dive into the fascinating world of political language, exploring terms like 'lame duck' and how they evolve during election seasons. Discover a quirky German debate over apostrophe usage that's stirred up quite the controversy. Learn about the transformation of spelling norms in German, including recent punctuation rules. Plus, unravel the history of the possessive apostrophe in English, with a fun twist involving personal language stories. It's a lively mix of grammar, history, and linguistic trivia!

Christopher Penn, an AI and marketing expert, dives into the controversial role of AI tools like ChatGPT in writing. He debunks common misconceptions about AI functionality and underscores the necessity of understanding its implications, especially regarding privacy and bias. The discussion also covers AI's potential in fiction writing, emphasizing its strengths in summarization and the importance of validating information, particularly in medical contexts. Penn highlights AI's transformative impact on productivity while advocating for human oversight in creative and high-risk areas.